Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

If you are male, it is possible to develop
testicular cancer
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing testicular cancer. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for testicular cancer include the following:

Age

You are at greatest risk between the ages of 20-35 years. Out of 100,000 men in this age group, 8-14 men will get testicular cancer. There is also a small increase in risk during early childhood.

Medical Conditions

Normally the testicles, which are inside the abdomen before birth, migrate into the scrotum by the time of birth. Occasionally though, boys are born with testicles that are still in the abdomen or in the groin, not having completed their journey to the scrotum. This is called undescended testicles.

Having one or more
undescended testicles
is a major risk factor for testicular cancer. Nearly 15% of cases of testicular cancer occur in men with a history of undescended testicles. They should be moved into the scrotum or removed entirely as early as possible to reduce the risk of cancer.

It should be noted that surgical correction of the undescended testicle does not prevent a future cancerous tumor, but it does make it easier to detect.

Other medical conditions that can increase your risk of testicular cancer include:

Atrophic testicle—a testicle that is smaller in size than normal (resulting from trauma or infection)

Cancer in the other testicle

Mumps orchitis—inflammation of the testicles caused by the
mumps
virus

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.